14 February 2006

Finance

Telecommunications masts in Garda stations.

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the contractual arrangement made between a telecommunications company and his Department regarding the placement of telecommunications antennae on telecommunications masts that are in the ownership of the State, such as those adjacent to Garda stations.

and

asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a copy of contractual arrangements made between a telecommunications company and the Office of Public Works regarding the placement of telecommunications antennae on telecommunications masts that are in the ownership of the State, such as those adjacent to Garda stations.
 

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon):

Following negotiations between the Commissioners of Public Works, the Chief State Solicitor’s office, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and all mobile phone operators, agreement was reached last year on the terms and conditions of standard licence agreements, which will govern all future installations of telecommunications equipment on State property and in particular on Garda telecommunication masts.

All operators who are granted a license to install telecommunications equipment on any State property are required to comply with the same terms and conditions, including all national and EU health and safety legislation and guidelines issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection and normal planning regulations. This compliance with health and safety legislation etc., required under the licence agreement, also applies to any future relevant legislation-regulations and International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection guidelines. Licences are granted for an agreed annual fee. If additional equipment is required the fee is increased in accordance with agreed rates.